This article focuses on the best strikers and wingers in world soccer and ranks them according to their performances for both their national teams and clubs. Some of the best strikers.

*players who alternate between striker and winger roles are also included on this list. Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Arjen Robben sometimes play as wingers or attacking midfielders.

1) David Villa
Age: 28, Country: Spain, Cub: Barcelona FC (Spain)

David Villa finished joint top scorer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, netting 5 goals in the competition. The Asturian also scored 28 goals for Valencia during the 2009-2010 season, and has scored at least 20 goals per season since 2005, making him the best striker and one of the best soccer players in the world. David Villa has speed, ability and incredible goal-poaching instincts. Barcelona FC fans are relishing the prospect of watching him link with fellow superstars Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez.

The 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year scored an amazing 49 goals in several club competitions for Barcelona last year and is arguably the most skilled player in the world. He is not number one on this list because he has constantly failed to score goals for Argentina. Messi produced some memorable moves and a couple of assists during the 2010 World Cup; however, he let fans down by failing to score a single goal during the competition.

Widely regarded one of the best soccer players in the world, the controversial Cristiano Ronaldo alternates between the striker and winger positions. He had a prolific 2009-2010 campaign for Spanish giants, Real Madrid, netting 33 goals in various competitions; however he failed to shine at the World Cup and only scored a lucky goal against North Korea.

The injury-prone Dutch star often appears as winger for both his national side and Bayern Munich. He scored 23 goals for Bayern Munich in the 2009-2010 competitions after an unsuccessful spell in Real Madrid. Robben is arguable one of the best soccer players in the world, but is often hampered by injuries. He missed two matches at South Africa 2010 but still managed to score two goals for the Netherlands.

Diego Forlan scored an impressive 28 goals for Atletico Madrid in 2009-2010 and also finished joint top scorer at the 2010 World Cup with 5 goals, making him one of the best strikers in world soccer. Forlan’s goals were one of the main reasons why his club won the 2009-2010 Europa League. His excellent goals and ability to explode at any stage of a match have made him one of the best soccer players in the Spanish league.